It’s what’s inside that counts

22 Feb 2017

When you buy fruit and vegetables, the way it looks will probably influence your selection; good-looking fruit and vegetables sell for premium prices. But often, even if fruit and vegetables don't look great on the outside, they are just as tasty and nutritious as their better looking cousins.

This week, Countdown launched a new initiative called The Odd Bunch. This programme is designed to sell fruit and vegetables that have imperfections or cosmetic damage but which, apart from the exterior, still taste great. The aim is to cut food waste and sell more New Zealand produce.

It will also make healthy food more affordable for Kiwi shoppers; the Odd Bunch will be available at a reduced price, between 30 and 50 percent cheaper. The initiative will also benefit growers, since they will be paid for fruit and vegetables that may have otherwise been disposed of as waste.

The programme will launch with hail-damaged stone fruit like nectarines and plums, carrots, avocados, potatoes and onions. Availability will be based on both season and supply, so stock will vary from store-to-store.

This really is a great programme, and one that we should all support; remember, it is what’s inside that counts.